Lewistown to Host Winter Fair Hockey Tournament

"I've been playing hockey for about eight years. I stopped playing in the sixth grade. So the last time, I've put on goalie pads, I was eight, and I'm looking forward to this weekend."

27 year old Lewistown goalie Matt Gruener is ready to hit the ice for the Montana Winter Fair Open Air Hockey Classic in Lewistown

"As the goalie, I guess you're the focal point, so you can either be a hero or a goat. Hoping to play the hero side of it, more than the goat. But, I have no real expectations."

The Lewistown Ice Skating Association is hosting the three day tournament at it's improved ice rink.

"Lewistown hockey has come a long ways since I was kid here. We had a puddle that would freeze in the winter time. To come this far to get tournament, everybody is really excited, myself included."

Six teams will compete inside the ice rink located at Frank Day Park. Two from Lewistown and visitors from Bozeman, Missoula, Red Lodge and Glasgow.

"We've traveled around and participated in some of these events, and it is great to finally host something in Lewistown and be able to play in it," said Scott Kirsch.

The tourney is featuring players 18 years and older, and 38 year old Derek Manseau will be suiting up for one of the Lewistown squads.

"Just a little over five years I've been playing hockey. Playing forward there's lots of breakouts. You've got to keep pace as the breakouts develops, and make sure you don't get caught off sides. Then make sure to get in position in front of the net. Keep an eye for that pass, and try to put a shot in the back of the net," said Derek Manseau.

"I'm coaching one of the teams and playing," said Jacques Rutten. "I think one of the neat things about this, it's going to be the first time a lot of Lewistown people have ever watched a hockey game. A real one, and I've already had people coming up to me saying they're looking forward to seeing their first hockey game," said Rutten.

The organizers of this weekend's ice hockey tournament say that they hope that is shows that anyone of all ages can come out and play some ice hockey.

The Winter Classic Ice Hockey Tournament will be held from Friday, February 5, 2016 through Sunday, February 7, 2016. The event starts on Friday at 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. On Saturday, the tourney is from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. There will be a break from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for free open skate. On Sunday, the tourney begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 1:00 p.m. The ice skating facility is located at 1301 6th Avenue South in Lewistown, Montana

Sayeed Pridgett hit two free throws with a second left to lift Montana to its second straight victory in the Islands of the Bahamas Showcase tournament in Nassau, a 73-71 win over Miami (Ohio) on Saturday.

Sayeed Pridgett hit two free throws with a second left to lift Montana to its second straight victory in the Islands of the Bahamas Showcase tournament in Nassau, a 73-71 win over Miami (Ohio) on Saturday.